Tuesday, 29 January 2013

More Meadow

Last year's 'meadow' planting was a beautiful thing - a definite success and first on my list of garden must do's for 2013.

I intend to increase the area a little, though a little may become a fair bit if I'm feeling energetic enough to strip the turf and dig over the soil, something which should be easier than last year when, following drought and subsequent high temperatures in March, was seriously back- breaking and left me full of regret at even attempting the thing.

I've ordered seed from Pictorial Meadows again. This was a little tricky this year (more choice) as they've introduced more seed mixes than 2012 following Professor Nigel Dunnet's success with planting beautiful, vast areas at the London Olympics. I was almost ready to buy the new 'Blue Wave' mix, which is described as 'reflecting the shimmering blue waters of the Aqua Centre' but plumped for the safety of the Classic mix, which I planted last year and was amazed at the colour changes from red through to gold during the course of the season.

It is all looking good. The meadow flowers sure are a nice addition. I will say, you deserve lots of credit because I know from experience just how much work it is. Wish you well with the addition you are planning, though again, I do not envy the work involved. Jack

I will have to break the ground again this year. Last year I dug it over with a spade a spit deep and then rotivated that with a flimsy electric rotovator which did create a fine tilth. I'm hoping to be able to just rotovate it this year rather than the back breaking spade work. I'll sow the seed sometime early or mid April.

Thanks Tatyana. The only weeding I do if for the occasional sow thistle but that's about it. The 4 Parasol Pines you can see in the meadow are starting to grow now, so in a few years they should look great and I can do away with the support posts.

Thanks Anna. The pics were taken in June and then late July. The poppies give way to coreopsis, rudbekia etc. as the season progresses changing the colours from reds to golds punctuated with blue, particularly corn flowers.